Graham Academy - Financial Placement Student - Northern Ireland

About The Role

Job Title: Finance Placement Student

REPORTING TO: Financial Accountant

DIVISION: Group/Investments

LOCATION: Hillsborough, Northern Ireland

CONTRACT TYPE: Full-Time, 12 Month Placement

BENEFITS: Pension, Life Assurance Scheme, Private Medical Cover, mentoring and coaching from experienced finance professionals.

Job Summary

As GRAHAM continues to grow, we are offering an exciting opportunity for a finance placement student to join our Group Finance team. This role provides hands-on experience across a wide range of financial activities while offering exposure to senior finance leaders, business operations and strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will gain valuable practical experience, develop professional skills and build a strong foundation for a future career in finance or accountancy.

You will work closely with, and report to, the Financial Accountant, gaining exposure to a wide range of financial activities that support the strategic and operational goals of the business. This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain a broader understanding of how finance interacts with the wider business, while building confidence in communication, teamwork and problem-solving. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to finance improvement initiatives and gain experience working across multiple business units within a large and diverse organisation.

The Placement Student shall:

Carry out purchase ledger duties, including processing supplier invoices and assisting with payment runs.

Carry out sales ledger duties, including raising and issuing customer invoices and supporting the management of aged debt.

Liaise with suppliers and customers, reconciling supplier statements and resolving queries.

Monitor bank and credit card accounts, processing transactions and performing reconciliations.

Assist with the monthly reconciliation of group intercompany balances.

Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts.

Assist with the preparation of annual statutory accounts.

Support the preparation of financial reports and analysis for management.

Assist with finance improvement initiatives, process reviews and ad hoc projects as required.

Gain exposure to financial systems, reporting tools and business processes across multiple business units.

Maintain and organise finance records, documents and SharePoint folders.

Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Financial Accountant.

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged for the Placement Student and the range of duties to be undertaken.

It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.

Personal Specification

Technical Competencies

Essential

Highly organised and efficient

Strong analytical and numerical skills

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word

Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Good interpersonal skills

Professional and courteous approach to internal and external stakeholders

Demonstrates initiative and a willingness to learn

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Enthusiastic team player with a positive attitude

Desirable but not essential

Studying towards a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics or a related discipline.

Previous finance, administration or office-based work experience

Knowledge of, or interest in, the construction and engineering industry

Experience using SharePoint or other Microsoft 365 applications

Experience working with data and reporting

Personal Specification

Behavioural Competencies

Essential

Effective Communication: Able to communicate clearly and professionally, adapting style to suit different audiences. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Problem Solving: Demonstrates a logical and analytical approach when addressing issues. Considers available information and seeks appropriate solutions when challenges arise.

Planning and Prioritising: Organises workload effectively, manages competing priorities and works towards agreed objectives. Maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Adaptability: Demonstrates a willingness to learn, embraces new challenges and remains flexible when priorities change.

Initiative: Shows enthusiasm and a proactive approach to tasks and responsibilities. Takes ownership of work and seeks opportunities to contribute and develop.

THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

• The closing date for applications will be Friday 8th January 2027.

• Interviews will commence in February 2027.

• Successful candidates will be notified in March 2027.

• All successful applicants will join the business by September 2027, with some opportunities to start earlier where possible.

Our Commitment:

• Email: hr-jgc.resourcing@graham.co.uk

• Phone: 07384 916355

• Email: louise.hunter@graham.co.uk

• Phone: 07384 916355

We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK, as per Home Office regulations. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying. Individuals with a current time restricted right to work in the UK, should contact the Human Resources team in the first instance. A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by 3rd party clients and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request.

GRAHAM reserves the right to carry out checks to ensure the validity of an applicant's experience and/or qualifications and we expect all applicants to comply with any such requests for information. Failure to do so or evidence of any falsification of information will lead to either removal from the recruitment process or if already in employment potential termination of contract through the company disciplinary procedure.